HEALTH EXPENDITURES AND COVID-19 IN UK

Abstract

While the health crisis that emerged due to Covid-19 caused a significant increase in the burden on health systems, it also brought a crisis for the global economy. The bumpy 2020 has ended with a contraction in the global economy, and an increase in health expenditures has been observed. Especially in countries where the number of cases is high, the health systems have been tested.  England as one of these countries, is the subject of this study in terms of health system capacity and health expenditures. The British National Health System (NHS) is a Beveridge-type health system that is financed by general budget taxes, covers all citizens and provides health services free of charge.  The British National Health System is the responsible and authoritative institution for all stages of health care.  The positive outlook in health indicators shows that the British health system is effective and successful. Considering the health expenditures in the country, it is seen that a significant part of the health expenditures consists of public health expenditures.  While health expenditures have increased significantly during the Covid-19 process, public health expenditures have been the driver of this increase. On the other hand, it is seen that the decreasing number of hospital beds in proportion to the population and regional health inequalities cause problems.